Welcome to part two of this three part guest blog by former Royal Marine Commando, Chris Chaplen. If you missed the first post click here to read it first!
Time to get the ball rolling. There are 3 main components to the peak state which I will briefly summarise as a quick start guide to get you on your way, the 3-step process goes as follows:
Energise
Firstly, a basis of energy should be formed within your own consciousness. Consider what your end goal is, what is the desired outcome you wish to attain from a peak state? Once we figure out our why, motivation is born. Close your eyes and begin visualising yourself as the person you want to be, in the situation you wish to find yourself. A great time to do this is first thing in the morning, get into a position where you will remain awake and alert then guide yourself through a visualisation of your future self. Try to incorporate as many senses as possible when doing this; what it would smell like, how it would make you feel emotionally, what new experiences or objects would you visibly see? Immerse yourself into this scenario and spend as much time here as you like, try to feel that it is really happening now, get excited, your subconscious mind will then begin to put the pieces together.
Flow
Now that the goal has been defined and the picture is clear in your mind, it’s time to get moving. In the same way that water must flow to remain healthy, or money must be exchanged between hands to sustain economic growth, our own energy must flow to create momentum. Start taking steps towards that goal, no matter how small. Make the first step, this is a crucial element and where most fail, they fail since they never even begin. Once the first step has been taken trust that the succeeding steps will materialise. Any person that has ever done anything of magnitude had to take this leap of faith, trust yourself to come up with the answers when needed. Now that you are moving forward in search of your goal it’s as if the floodgates have been opened, ride this wave and enjoy it and most importantly have the faith and self-belief that you will get up every single day to jump straight back in.
Maintain
So that this peak state can continue for the longest possible duration, it must be sustainable, enjoyable and measurable. Your relationship with the peak state determines whether you will stay in flow. A positive relationship means that you will return to the peak state day in day out, the moment you begin to procrastinate or even resent what you are doing a re-evaluation may be required. Take the time to assess how far you have come, what you have achieved so far and what direction you find yourself going in. If any of this doesn’t align with what you believe or what you set out to do then make the necessary changes. A temporary setback is far more desirable than a lifetime of unfulfillment chasing a non-meaningful path. Whilst progress often equals happiness, progress in the wrong direction is the silent assassin which creeps up on you, manifesting itself as a mid-life crisis, check in with yourself and others as often as possible, stay on track and see yourself flourish.
Schools' Active Community Coach 